Antiquated management style with little room for true growth - Anonymous employee AACR Employee Review

2.0
5 June 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Many wonderful people working in lower and middle positions, decent time off, pretty good benefits package--especially compared to what other companies offer these days, and a great Center City location. A truly wonderful group of people working in the trenches, and I learned so many things because the lack of proper resources taught me how to be adaptable and think fast on my feet.

Cons

Excessive micromanagement from a CEO that is reminiscent of a late-in-life Howard Hughes who is paranoid and often cruel. She'll probably die in her office, she's got no intention of ever retiring. Pay is low even for management positions and HR breaks the laws that HR is supposed to enforce, though they can be fun to gossip with. I was treated well and promoted many times there, but most of my colleagues were not so lucky, it's a weird game there and you can only get promoted if the right people like you so I always felt guilty when I was given a promotion I earned because I watched many other deserving and hard working people get passed up. Now that I have spent a few years outside of the company I can see even more clearly just how dysfunctional and unhealthy it was working there.

Explore other reviews about AACR

5.0
26 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

While I understand that every organization faces its share of criticism, my personal experience with the American Association for Cancer Research has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve found the team here to be dedicated, supportive, and genuinely invested in both their team members and the organization's mission. I enjoy waking up every day knowing that what I'm doing is contributing to the greater good. For example, the leadership is always open to feedback and actively seeks ways to improve processes and employee satisfaction. The organization is in growth mode and scheduled to hire 20-30 new employees in 2026. I'm going to miss it.

Cons

Of course, no workplace is perfect, and everyone thinks that the grass is greener elsewhere, but I’ve consistently seen that those who work hard and don't just put in the minimum effort are rewarded with advancement. The CEO is an example of this, having started as an Editorial Assistant, attended school to expand her education, worked her way up the organization ladder, and has been running the organization for some time. Not surprisingly, those in the organization who are negative and the ones who put in the minimal effort and never progress.

2.0
3 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mostly good people, not a very high stress environment and no work after hours. Good location in Old City.

Cons

Extremely dreary, silent and uninspiring work environment. Minimal contact with coworkers throughout the day. Don’t expect to interact with others very much. Salaries are low and promotions take way too long. Very very heavy top down approach with approvals required for everything. Good place to learn but not to stay for long.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All